In 2006, the F 800 broke from tradition with BMW’s first-ever parallel twin engine, which used a dummy connecting rod to balance vibration while retaining the expected sound of a BMW twin. With crankshaft rotation in line with wheel rotation and belt or chain drive to the rear wheel, the F 800 was exceptionally agile. The bike was offered in S, ST, GS, and R form, the latter of which won a Red Dot design award in 2010. The F 800 R seen here is owned by Rob Mitchell, a 32- year employee of BMW NA prior to his retirement in 2008.